Electroactive Optical Devices

Abstract

An electroactive optical device comprising an optical substrate, a layer comprising an electroactive material capable of linearly polarizing electromagnetic radiation, at least two transparent electrodes spaced apart from one another and each independently in contact with the layer containing the electroactive material, a source capable of applying an electric potential between the at least two electrodes, and a birefringent layer. Electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the device comprises a first polarization state in the absence of an electric potential between the at least two electrodes, and electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the device comprises a second polarization state, different from the first polarization state, in the presence of an electric potential between the at least two electrodes. The electroactive optical device is operable to circularly or elliptically polarize the transmitted radiation.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 462,162, filed August 31, 2021, entitled "Electroactive Optical Device," which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to electro-active optical devices and methods of making such devices. [Background technology]

[0003] Conventional linear polarizing elements, such as linear polarizing lenses and filters for sunglasses, are typically formed from stretched polymer sheets containing dichroic materials, such as dichroic dyes. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure describes an electro-active optical device that includes an optical substrate, a layer containing an electro-active material capable of linearly polarizing electromagnetic radiation, at least two transparent electrodes spaced apart from one another and each independently in contact with the layer containing the electro-active material, a source capable of applying an electric potential between the at least two electrodes, and a birefringent layer. Electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the device includes a first polarization state in the absence of an electric potential between the at least two electrodes, and electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the device includes a second polarization state different from the first polarization state in the presence of an electric potential between the at least two electrodes. The electro-active optical device may be operable to circularly or elliptically polarize the transmitted radiation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0005] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an electroactive device described herein. [Figure 2]1 shows a schematic diagram of an electroactive layer of an electroactive device having a patterned anode and a patterned cathode as described herein. [Figure 3] 3 shows a cross-sectional view of an electroactive device having a patterned anode and a patterned cathode as described herein along line AA of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 3 shows an alternative cross-sectional view of an electroactive device having a patterned anode and a patterned cathode as described herein taken along line AA of FIG. 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Unless otherwise indicated, temperature and pressure conditions are ambient temperature (22° C.), 30% relative humidity, and standard pressure of 101.3 kPa (1 atmosphere).

[0007] Unless otherwise indicated, any term containing parentheses refers alternatively to the entire term as if the parentheses were present, and the term without them, and combinations of each alternative. Thus, as used herein, "(meth)acrylate" and similar terms are intended to include acrylate, methacrylate, and mixtures thereof.

[0008] It is to be understood that, unless expressly stated to the contrary, the present disclosure may contemplate various alternative modifications and step sequences. Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties to be obtained. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

[0009] Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the disclosure are approximations, the numerical values ​​set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. However, any numerical value inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

[0010] It should also be understood that any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all subranges subsumed therein. For example, a range of "1 to 10" is intended to include all subranges between (and including) the stated minimum value of 1 and the stated maximum value of 10, with minimum values ​​equal to or greater than 1 and maximum values ​​equal to or less than 10.

[0011] All ranges are inclusive and combinable. For example, the term "in the range of 0.06 to 0.25 wt.%, or 0.06 to 0.08 wt.%" would include each of 0.06 to 0.25 wt.%, 0.06 to 0.08 wt.%, and 0.08 to 0.25 wt.%. Furthermore, when ranges are given, any endpoints of those ranges and / or stated values ​​within those ranges can be combined within the scope of the invention.

[0012] As used herein, unless expressly specified otherwise, all numbers, such as those representing values, ranges, amounts, or percentages, can be read as if preceded by the word "about," even if the term does not explicitly appear. Unless otherwise stated, plural forms include the singular, and vice versa. As used herein, the term "comprising" and similar terms mean "including, but not limited to." Similarly, as used herein, the terms "on," "applied over," "formed on," "deposited on," "overlay," and "provided on" mean formed on, overlaid, deposited on, or provided on a surface, but not necessarily in contact with the surface. For example, a coating layer "formed over" a substrate does not exclude the presence of one or more other coating layers of the same or different composition located between the formed coating and the substrate.

[0013] As used herein, the transitional phrase "comprising" (and other equivalent terms, e.g., "containing" and "including") is open-ended and not limited to encompassing unspecified items. Although described with the term "comprising," the terms "consisting essentially of" and "consisting of" are also within the scope of this disclosure.

[0014] As used herein, the term "electroactive material" refers to a material that responds to an electrical stimulus.

[0015] As used herein, the articles "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless otherwise expressly and unambiguously limited to one reference.

[0016] As used herein, the term "alignment feature" refers to the primary placement and / or orientation of materials, compounds, or structures in a material, medium, and / or layer.

[0017] As used herein, the term "anisotropic material" refers to a material that has at least one property that has different values ​​when measured in at least different directions.

[0018] As used herein, the term "anode" refers to the electrode through which rated current passes and enters an electrical device.

[0019] As used herein, the term "birefringence" refers to the optical property of a material having a refractive index that depends on the polarization and direction of propagation of light.

[0020] As used herein, the term "birefringent layer" refers to a layer, coating, or laminate that has birefringent properties.

[0021] As used herein, the term "block copolymer" refers to a copolymer in which the repeating units are present only in long sequences or blocks of the same type.

[0022] As used herein, the term "circularly polarized" refers to two perpendicular electromagnetic plane waves of equal amplitude and 90° phase difference; as a non-limiting example, light is said to be circularly polarized if it is composed of two plane waves of equal amplitude but 90° out of phase.

[0023] As used herein, the term "dichroic material" refers to a material that is capable of absorbing at least one of two orthogonal plane polarization components of transmitted radiation more strongly than the other.

[0024] As used herein, the term "cathode" refers to the electrode through which rated current passes and exits an electrical device.

[0025] As used herein, "coating hardness" refers to the hardness determined according to the Wolff-Wilborn method, in which a pencil of known hardness is pressed across the coating at a specific angle under a constant force. The pencil hardness is increased from B (soft), through HB (medium), to H (hard) until the coating is damaged.

[0026] As used herein, the term "coating layer" refers to the result of applying one or more coating compositions onto a substrate in one or more applications of such one or more coating compositions.

[0027] As used herein, the term "compound" refers to a substance formed by the combination of two or more elements, components, ingredients, or moieties, including, but not limited to, molecules and macromolecules (e.g., polymers and oligomers) formed by the combination of two or more elements, components, ingredients, or moieties.

[0028] As used herein, the terms "conjugated polymer" and "conjugated copolymer" refer to organic macromolecules characterized by backbone chains of alternating double and single bonds. Their overlapping p orbitals create a system of delocalized π electrons, which can give rise to useful optical and electronic properties.

[0029] As used herein, the term "electroactive optical device" refers to a device that has variable optical transmittance, with wavelengths ranging from, by way of non-limiting example, 380 to 720 nm, depending on the magnitude of an applied potential or voltage.

[0030] As used herein, the term "electrical potential" refers to the amount of work required to move a unit charge from a reference point to a particular point relative to an electric field.

[0031] As used herein, the term "electrode" refers to a conductor through which electricity passes, or passes, through an object or substance.

[0032] As used herein, the term "electrochromic material" refers to materials that are capable of changing their color and / or transparency to radiation in a reversible manner when subjected to an electric field.

[0033] As used herein, the term "electrochromic-dichroic material" refers to an electroactive material that includes a single compound that can be both electrochromic and dichroic in response to an applied potential or voltage, and that can cause a color change, by way of non-limiting example, from clear to colored.

[0034] As used herein, the term "electromagnetic radiation" refers to waves of the electromagnetic field that propagate through space and carry electromagnetic radiation energy. Non-limiting examples include radio waves, microwaves, infrared light, visible light, ultraviolet light, X-rays, and gamma rays.

[0035] As used herein, the term "elliptically polarized" refers to electromagnetic radiation that contains two perpendicular waves of unequal amplitude that are 90 degrees out of phase.

[0036] As used herein, the term "laminate" refers to the production of a composite system by using two or more materials stacked in layers.

[0037] As used herein, the term "gel" refers to a mixture, and by way of non-limiting example, a fluid-swollen polymer, that conforms such that it has a G' value higher than the G" value, as measured using an Anton-Paar MCR301 rheometer equipped with a 50 millimeter cone and plate fixture at 25°C and 101.3 kPA (1 atmosphere) pressure, with the plates held at a fixed distance of 0.2 mm. Stated another way, the loss factor tan(δ) (tan(δ)=G" / G') is less than 1. When tan(δ) is close to 1, the gel is considered "soft and weak," and when tan(δ) is further away from 1, the gel is considered "hard and tough."

[0038] As used herein, the term "Langmuir-Blodgett film" refers to a film of molecules that are partially aligned on a surface.

[0039] As used herein, the term "layer" refers to some thickness of material that is placed on, spread or applied over the surface of another material.

[0040] As used herein, the term "linearly polarizing" refers to restricting the vibration of the electric vector of a light wave to one direction or plane.

[0041] As used herein, the term "liquid crystal" refers to a state of matter having properties between those of a traditional liquid and those of a solid crystal. As a non-limiting example, liquid crystals can flow like a liquid, but their molecules can align in a crystal-like manner.

[0042] As used herein, the term "optical substrate" refers to a substrate made of a material that is generally understood to be transparent, in other words, that exhibits little absorption and scattering of light and has good optical transmittance in at least some spectral ranges. Non-limiting examples include glasses such as fused silica and quartz glass, which may include alkali-aluminosilicate glasses such as those used as touchscreens for handheld electronic devices.

[0043] As used herein, the term "orientation facility" refers to a mechanism or material that can facilitate the positioning of one or more other structures that are directly and / or indirectly exposed to at least a portion thereof. As a non-limiting example, an orientation facility can facilitate the orientation or alignment of dichroic and / or anisotropic materials to achieve polarized light.

[0044] As used herein, the terms "oxidation-reduction reaction" and "oxidation-reduction" refer to reactions characterized by the actual or formal transfer of electrons between chemical species, often in which one species undergoes oxidation while another undergoes reduction.

[0045] As used herein, the term "phenazine" refers to an azaarenes, which are anthracenes in which the 9 and 10 carbon atoms are replaced by nitrogen atoms, and includes compounds in which nitrogen or carbon on the aromatic ring is substituted (replacing hydrogen) at one or more positions, where each substituent independently may optionally include halogen, nitrogen, and oxygen, C-C 16 The groups may be linear, branched, or cycloaliphatic, alkenyl, and / or aromatic.

[0046] As used herein, the term "photoalignment material" refers to a material that can undergo photochemically induced domain rearrangement driven by destabilization of the liquid-crystalline phase in light-absorbing domains.

[0047] As used herein, the term "polarized light" refers to electromagnetic waves that travel only in a single plane. As a non-limiting example, the process of converting unpolarized light into polarized light is called polarization of light.

[0048] As used herein, the term "polarization efficiency" refers to how efficiently a polarizer polarizes incident light relative to the total amount of polarized light as a percentage. As a non-limiting example, a linear polarizer with 99% efficiency transmits 99% of the incident light with the intended polarization (p-polarization state) and transmits only 1%.

[0049] As used herein, the term "polymer" includes homopolymers (formed from one type of monomer), as well as copolymers and block copolymers formed from two or more different types of monomer reactants or containing two or more distinct repeating units. Additionally, the term "polymer" includes prepolymers and oligomers.

[0050] As used herein, the term "polymeric gel layer" refers to a semi-solid coating comprising polymers that can have properties ranging from soft and weak to hard and tough.

[0051] As used herein, the term "quarter-wave retarder" refers to an optical device that changes the polarization state of a light wave traveling through it. As a non-limiting example, a quarter-wave plate can convert linearly polarized light to circularly polarized light, or vice versa. In another non-limiting example, a quarter-wave plate can convert linearly polarized light to elliptically polarized light, or vice versa.

[0052] As used herein, the term "frictionally oriented material" refers to a material that can be at least partially aligned by rubbing at least a portion of the surface of the material with another suitably textured material.

[0053] As used herein, the term "self-assembling material" refers to materials that organize themselves, for example, by repulsive interactions between blocks in block copolymers, and by crystal formation, for example, by lamellar stacks driven by molecular alignment in liquid crystals.

[0054] As used herein, the term "short circuit" refers to an electrical circuit of lower resistance than that of a normal circuit, typically resulting in unintended contact of components and the resulting accidental shunting of electrical current.

[0055] As used herein, the term "transitional coating" refers to a coating that helps create a gradient of properties between two coatings.

[0056] As used herein, the term "transparent" refers, by way of non-limiting example, to allowing light of wavelengths between 380 and 720 nm to pass through the material and allow objects behind to be clearly seen. By way of non-limiting example, the term "substantially transparent" refers to a surface that appears at least partially visible to the naked eye when viewed through the material, and the term "fully transparent" refers to a surface that appears completely visible to the naked eye when viewed through the material.

[0057] As used herein, the term "transmitted radiation" refers to radiation that passes through at least a portion of an object.

[0058] As used herein, the term "viologen" refers to a compound of the formula (C5H4NR)2 n+ wherein each R is independently a C1-C aryl group which may optionally include halogens, nitrogen, and oxygen. 16 It may represent linear, branched, or cyclic aliphatic, alkenyl, and / or aromatic groups.

[0059] As used herein, the term "voltage" refers to the difference in electric potential between two points.

[0060] The present disclosure describes an electro-active optical device including an optical substrate, a layer including an electro-active material capable of linearly polarizing electromagnetic radiation, at least two transparent electrodes spaced apart from one another and each independently in contact with the electro-active material layer, a source capable of applying an electric potential between the at least two electrodes, and a birefringent layer. Electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the device includes a first polarization state in the absence of an electric potential between the at least two electrodes, and electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the device includes a second polarization state, which may be different from the first polarization state, in the presence of an electric potential between the at least two electrodes. The electro-active optical device may be operable to circularly or elliptically polarize the transmitted radiation.

[0061] optical base material The optical substrate can include any of a wide variety of substrates suitable for use in optical devices. By way of non-limiting example, the substrate can include glass, such as fused silica and quartz glass. By way of non-limiting example, such glass substrate can include alkali-aluminosilicate glasses, such as those used as touchscreens for handheld electronic devices.

[0062] As another non-limiting example, the optical substrate can include a polymeric substrate material. Suitable polymeric substrates include, but are not limited to, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyurethane, polyurethane (urea), polyester, polyacrylate, polymethacrylate, poly(cyclic)olefin, polyepoxy, copolymers thereof, or mixtures of any of the foregoing. As a non-limiting example, the polymeric substrate can include a combination of any of the foregoing substrates in the form of a multilayer laminate. The polymeric substrate can be formed by any manufacturing means known in the art, such as by casting or molding; a non-limiting example is injection molding techniques. As a non-limiting example, the polymeric substrate can include polycarbonate, poly(cyclic)olefin, polystyrene, polyurethane, polymethacrylate, copolymers of any of the foregoing materials, or mixtures of any of the foregoing.

[0063] Non-limiting examples of suitable optical substrates include polymeric films (i.e., thin but free-standing polymeric films), such as those known for use in the manufacture of optical devices. Non-limiting examples of such polymeric films include any of a variety of thermosetting and thermoplastic materials, provided that the material is transparent or optically clear. Non-limiting examples of polymeric films include, in multilayer or laminate structures, polycarbonates, polycyclic alkenes, polyurethanes, poly(urea)urethanes, polythiourethanes, polythio(urea)urethanes, polyol(allyl carbonate), cellulose acetate, cellulose diacetate, cellulose triacetate, cellulose acetate propionate, cellulose acetate butyrate, poly(vinyl acetate), poly(vinyl alcohol), poly(vinyl chloride), poly(vinylidene chloride), poly(ethylene terephthalate), poly(ethylene naphthalate), polyesters, polysulfones, polyolefins, copolymers thereof, or combinations of such films.

[0064] When the optical substrate is a film, the film thickness can be at least 20 μm, such as at least 40 μm and at least 50 μm, and can be up to 1000 μm, such as up to 500 μm and up to 250 μm. The optical substrate film thickness can be from 20 μm to 1000 μm, such as from 40 μm to 500 μm and from 50 μm to 250 μm. The optical substrate film thickness can be any value or range between (and including) any of the values ​​recited above.

[0065] Film thickness can be determined by cross-sectioning the film, multilayer film, and / or device and measuring the thickness of each layer using a scanning electron microscope.

[0066] Optical substrates can include unpigmented substrates, pigmented substrates, photochromic substrates, pigmented photochromic substrates, and linearly polarizing substrates.

[0067] Electroactive Materials As indicated above, the electroactive optical device may include at least one electroactive material layer in contact with at least two electrodes. The electroactive material layer may be in the form of a polymeric coating layer containing the electroactive material or in the form of a gel containing the electroactive material. The electroactive material may be capable of linearly polarizing electromagnetic radiation.

[0068] The electroactive material layer may include an electrochromic material (including an electrochromic-dichroic material). Electrochromic materials used to form the electroactive material layer may include, but are not limited to, any of the electrochromic compounds known in the art, including phenazine compounds, such as dihydrophenazine compounds, and / or dipyridinium (viologen) compounds. Suitable, non-limiting examples of such phenazine compounds and their preparations include those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,020,987, column 31, line 43, column 34, line 7, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,902,108, column 13, line 49 to column 15, line 42, the specific citations of which are incorporated herein by reference. Suitable, non-limiting examples of viologen compounds include those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,020,987, column 34, lines 8 to 55, the specific citations of which are incorporated herein by reference. As a non-limiting example, the electroactive material may include an electrochromic-dichroic material.

[0069] The film thickness of the electroactive material layer can be at least 1 μm, such as at least 5 μm, at least 10 μm, and at least 20 μm, and can be up to 1000 μm, such as up to 500 μm and up to 250 μm. The film thickness of the electroactive material layer can be from 1 μm to 1000 μm, such as from 5 μm to 500 μm and from 10 μm to 250 μm. The film thickness of the electroactive material layer can be any value or range between (and including) any of the values ​​recited above.

[0070] Non-limiting examples of electrochromic-dichroic materials include stretched polyaniline films, stretched polypyrrole films, stretched polythiophene films, viologens, and / or dichroic dyes in liquid crystals.

[0071] In non-limiting examples, the layer containing the electroactive material includes a polymer coating layer or a polymer gel layer.

[0072] The electroactive material layer may include an anodic electrochromic dye, non-limiting examples of suitable anodic electrochromic dyes include 5,10-dihydro-5,10-dimethylphenazene, N,N,N,N'-tetramethyl-1,4-phenylenediamine, 10-methylphenothiazine, 10-ethylphenothiazine, tetrathiafulvalene, ferrocene, and derivatives thereof, and / or triarylamines and derivatives thereof.

[0073] The electroactive material layer may include a cathodic electrochromic dye. Non-limiting examples of suitable cathodic electrochromic dyes include 1,1'-diphenyl-4,4'-bipyridinium difluoroborate, 1,1'-di(n-heptyl)-4,4'-bipyridinium difluoroborate, 1,1'-dibenzyl-4,4'-bipyridinium defluoroborate, and / or 1,1'-di(n-propylphenyl)-4,4'-bipyridinium difluoroborate. Non-limiting examples of electrochromic materials include certain Prussian blue dyes and conductive polymers such as poly(thiophenes), such as poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), often referred to as "PEDOT."

[0074] The electrochromic material may also include other materials such as solvents, light absorbers, light stabilizers, heat stabilizers, antioxidants, thickeners or viscosity modifiers, and self-supporting gels comprising a polymer matrix.

[0075] When the electrochromic material contains a solvent, non-limiting examples include propylene carbonate, benzonitrile, phenoxyacetonitrile, diphenylacetonitrile, sulfolane, sulfolate, and / or phosphoramide. Other non-limiting examples of useful solvents include phosphate esters such as tricresyl phosphate and cresyl phosphate, amides such as N,N-dimethylformamide, methylpropionamide, N-methylpyrrolidone, hexamethylphosphonamide, diethylformamide, and tetramethylurea, nitriles such as acetonitrile, sulfoxides such as dimethyl sulfoxide, esters such as ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, and dioctyl phthalate, carbonates such as propylene carbonate and ethylene carbonate, lactones such as γ-butyrolactone, and ketones such as methyl ethyl ketone and methyl isobutyl ketone. Any of the solvents listed above can be used alone or in any combination.

[0076] The electrochromic material may include an electrolyte, non-limiting examples of which include tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoroborate and / or tetrabutylammonium bromide. The electrolyte can provide ionic conductivity to the material. Suitable electrolyte materials for this purpose are well known in the art.

[0077] Electrochromic materials can also include metal oxides, non-limiting examples of which include WO3, MoO3, VO5, and Nb2O5. Deposition of such materials can involve vacuum deposition, sputtering, or other vapor deposition processes. The electrochromic process in metal oxides can involve electrochemical switching to non-stoichiometric redox states, corresponding to electrochromic absorption bands resulting from optical valence-valence charge transfer.

[0078] Electrochromic materials can include conjugated polymers and copolymers that are capable of accessing multiple redox states. π-Conjugated organic polymers can offer mechanical flexibility and easily tuned bandgap colors through structural and functional control.

[0079] By way of non-limiting example, the layer comprising the electro-active material comprises a self-assembling material. Non-limiting examples of suitable self-assembling materials include liquid crystal materials, liquid crystal electrochromic-dichroic materials, and block copolymers.

[0080] Optionally, the electroactive material layer may include a dichroic material. Non-limiting examples of suitable dichroic materials include azomethines, indigoids, thioindigoids, merocyanines, indanes, quinophthalone-based dyes, perylenes, phthaloperines, triphenodioxazines, indoloquinoxalines, imidazo-triazines, tetrazines, azo and (poly)azo dyes, benzoquinones, naphthoquinones, anthroquinones, (poly)anthroquinones, anthropyrimidinones, iodine, and / or iodates. The dichroic material may also include a polymerizable dichroic compound. That is, the dichroic material may include at least one group that can be polymerized (i.e., a "polymerizable group"). As a non-limiting example, the dichroic compound may have at least one alkoxy, polyalkoxy, alkyl, or polyalkyl substituent terminated with at least one polymerizable group.

[0081] electrode The electro-active optical device may include at least two spaced apart electrodes in contact with at least one surface of the electro-active material layer, which may be a flat, planar surface, or a surface having a curved surface. The electrodes may include a transparent conductive material, such as any of those discussed herein. The transparent conductive material used to form the electrodes may be applied directly onto the optical substrate surface. Any type of barrier coating, primer coating, or adhesion-promoting layer known in the optical device art may be applied to the optical substrate and / or electro-active material layer surface, provided that the overall optical properties of the device are not adversely affected by such application and the electrodes are in contact with the electro-active material layer.

[0082] The transparent conductive material used to form the electrodes can be applied to the optical substrate surface such that the electrodes conform to the surface topography. As a non-limiting example, if the optical substrate surface is a flat, planar surface, the electrodes are "parallel" to the flat, planar surface and are positioned directly on the flat, planar surface. As another non-limiting example, if the optical substrate surface is a surface with a curve, the electrodes conform to the curvature and are positioned directly on the curved surface.

[0083] The transparent conductive material used to form the electrodes can be applied by a variety of patterning techniques known in the art. Non-limiting examples of suitable techniques include lithography (including contact photolithography, microscope projection photolithography, and microlens array reduction photolithography, among others), silk printing, roll-to-roll etching, and inkjet printing techniques. Combinations of any of the aforementioned techniques can also be used. Non-limiting examples of the transparent conductive material can be applied by chemical vapor deposition, spray pyrolysis, pulsed laser deposition, metal-organic molecular beam deposition, sputter deposition, chemically assisted vapor deposition, aerosol-assisted vapor deposition, metal-organic chemical vapor deposition, magnetron sputtering, magnetic field-assisted magnetron sputtering, pulsed direct current sputtering, etc.

[0084] As a non-limiting example, the transparent conductive material can be applied in multiple layers or "stacks" of conductive materials to form at least two electrodes, which can include, as a non-limiting example, a stack of sequentially applied conductive materials such as indium tin oxide / silver / indium tin oxide.

[0085] By way of non-limiting example, the patterning technique selected for the transparent conductive material used to form electrodes on the surface of the substrate will depend on the particular substrate used. The use of polymeric substrates may require patterning techniques that do not require high process temperatures, by way of non-limiting example, temperatures below 150°C.

[0086] As a non-limiting example, the electro-active material layer can have an optical substrate disposed over at least a portion of opposing surfaces of the electro-active material layer, and one or more electrodes disposed on each opposing surface of the electro-active material layer, the one or more electrodes in contact with the optical substrate and the electro-active material layer. The electrodes can be in the form of a continuous layer or a patterned layer.

[0087] As a non-limiting example, patterning the transparent conductive material to form at least two electrodes includes forming a bus bar pattern on the substrate.

[0088] The electrodes may be spaced apart to prevent short circuits from occurring during operation of the device. Any pattern can be used to form the electrodes, provided that upon application of a potential or voltage there is no short circuit and sufficient current flows through the electroactive material in contact with the electrodes to achieve the desired electroactive response.

[0089] The conductive materials used to form the at least two electrodes can be selected from any of those commonly known in the field of electrochromic devices. Non-limiting examples of transparent conductive materials include carbon nanotubes, graphene platelets, gold, tin oxide, fluorine-doped tin oxide, indium tin oxide, and / or one or more conductive polymers. The aforementioned conductive materials can be present in a polymer coating, which, if applicable, is patterned to form the at least two electrodes. Non-limiting examples of suitable conductive polymers include poly(acetylene), poly(pyrrole), poly(thiophene), poly(aniline), poly(fluorene), poly(pyridene), poly(indole), poly(carbazole), poly(azine), poly(quinone), poly(3-alkylthiophene), polytetrathiafulvalene, polynaphthalene, poly(p-phenylene sulfide), and / or poly(para-phenylene vinylene).

[0090] In a non-limiting example, the electroactive material undergoes a color change through an oxidation-reduction reaction when an electrical potential is applied to two or more electrodes, including a dichroic color change.

[0091] The electrode film thickness can be at least 0.05 μm, such as at least 0.1 μm, at least 0.3 μm, and at least 0.5 μm, and can be up to 1000 μm, such as up to 20 μm, up to 5 μm, and up to 3 μm. The electrode film thickness can be from 0.05 μm to 1000 μm, such as from 0.1 μm to 20 μm, from 0.3 μm to 5 μm, and from 0.5 μm to 3 μm. The electrode film thickness can be any value or range between (and including) any of the values ​​recited above.

[0092] power supply The electro-active optical device includes a source capable of applying an electric potential or voltage. As a non-limiting example, a controller can be configured to activate when an electric potential or voltage needs to be applied to the electrodes. As a non-limiting example, one or more inputs, such as an optical sensor, a temperature sensor, or a switch, can communicate with the controller. The controller can receive input information from one or more inputs and can be configured to determine whether a power source used to provide the electric potential or voltage should be provided. As a non-limiting example, the power source can be a battery, a transformer that converts conventional AC or DC current to an acceptable level, a solar power medium, a capacitor, a supercapacitor, or a combination thereof. An external power supply can be electrically connected to the controller and one or more inputs and configured to provide an electric potential or voltage to the electrodes. Two or more supplies may be implemented in the electro-active optical device. The power source, controller, sensor, switch, and / or electrodes can be connected by wires or other means known in the art.

[0093] Electro-active optical devices can have variable optical transmittance depending on the magnitude of the applied voltage. Generally, at least two electrodes (formed from a transparent conductive material) disposed on the surface of the electro-active layer function as counter-conductive electrodes in electrical communication with a controller that can be operable to transmit electricity to the electro-active material layer by applying a potential or voltage to the electrodes.

[0094] In the presence of an applied potential or voltage, the electro-active material layer reversibly changes from a first polarization state to a second polarization state.

[0095] The first polarization state in the electroactive layer exhibits little or no absorption in the visible spectral region, i.e., 410 nm to 800 nm, while the second polarization state in the electroactive layer exhibits a visible color change as well as increased polarization.

[0096] In the first polarization state (in the absence of an applied potential or voltage), the polarization efficiency can be zero and can be up to 15%, such as up to 10% and up to 5%. The polarization efficiency of the first polarization state can be any value or range therebetween (and inclusive), and the values ​​recited above.

[0097] The second polarization state (the state in which the potential or voltage is present) exhibits a polarization efficiency of at least 60%, such as at least 75% and at least 85%, and can be up to 100%, such as up to 99%, up to 95%, and up to 90%. The polarization efficiency of the second polarization state can be any value or range therebetween (and inclusive), and the values ​​recited above.

[0098] Birefringent Layer A birefringent layer is a layer whose function is to impart a phase difference to electromagnetic radiation passing through an electroactive optical device. The material used to prepare the birefringent layer can be any birefringent material known in the art. Non-limiting examples include polymer films, liquid crystal films, self-assembled materials, or films in which liquid crystal materials are aligned. Non-limiting examples of specific birefringent layers include those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,864,932, column 3, line 60 to column 4, line 64; U.S. Pat. No. 5,550,661, column 4, line 30 to column 7, line 2; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,948,487, column 7, line 1 to column 10, line 10, each of which is specifically incorporated herein by reference.

[0099] Non-limiting examples of birefringent films include Film Model No. NRF-140, a positively birefringent uniaxial film available from Nitto Corporation, Japan or Nitto Denko America, Inc., New Brunswick, N.J. Also suitable are OPTIGRAFIX circular polarizer films available from GRAFIX Plastics, a division of GRAFIX, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.

[0100] Non-limiting examples of specific polymeric sheets used to prepare the birefringent layers include poly(meth)acrylates, poly(C1-C2 12) alkyl (meth)acrylates, polyoxy(alkylene (meth)acrylates), poly(alkoxylated (meth)acrylic phenols), cellulose acetate, cellulose triacetate, cellulose acetate propionate, cellulose acetate butyrate, poly(vinyl acetate), poly(vinyl alcohol), poly(vinyl chloride), poly(vinylidene chloride), poly(vinylpyrrolidone), poly((meth)acrylamide), poly(dimethylacrylamide), poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate), poly((meth)acrylic acid), thermoplastic polycarbonates, polyesters, polyurethanes, polythiourethanes, poly(ethylene terethyl acetate), polystyrene, poly(alphamethylstyrene), copoly(styrene-methyl methacrylate), copoly(styrene-acrylonitrile), polyvinyl butyral, as well as polyol (allyl carbonate) monomers, monofunctional (meth)acrylate monomers, polyfunctional (meth)acrylate monomers, Included may be polymers comprising diethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate monomers, diisopropylbenzene monomers, alkoxylated polyhydric alcohol monomers, and diarylidene pentaerythritol monomers, as well as self-assembling materials such as polycarbonates, polyamides, polyimides, poly(meth)acrylates, polycyclic alkenes, polyurethanes, poly(urea)urethanes, polythiourethanes, polythio(urea)urethanes, polyol(allyl carbonate), cellulose acetate, cellulose diacetate, cellulose triacetate, cellulose acetate propionate, cellulose acetate butyrate, polyalkenes, polyalkylene-vinyl acetate, poly(vinyl acetate), poly(vinyl alcohol), poly(vinyl chloride), poly(vinyl formal), poly(vinyl acetate), poly(vinylidene chloride), poly(ethylene terephthalate), polyesters, polysulfones, polyolefins, copolymers thereof, and / or mixtures thereof.

[0101] The birefringent layer may include a resin containing an oriented crystalline resin. The oriented crystalline resin may be a polyester. Non-limiting examples of polyesters include ethylene terephthalate units and / or ethylene naphthalate units. As a non-limiting example, the polyester for the birefringent layer may include a naphthalene dicarboxylic acid component as the dicarboxylic acid component. Non-limiting examples of naphthalene dicarboxylic acid components include 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid and 2,7-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid. As a non-limiting example, the polyester for the birefringent layer may include a terephthalic acid component and an isophthalic acid component.

[0102] The birefringent layer may include, by way of non-limiting example, a birefringent film formed from an inorganic material. The inorganic material may be a dielectric material, including, by way of non-limiting example, an inorganic oxide containing at least one of Si, Nb, Zr, Ti, La, Ta, Al, Hf, and Ce. By way of non-limiting example, the inorganic oxide may be tantalum oxide (Ta2O5).

[0103] The birefringent layer can be oriented such that the orientation of the layer is at an angle relative to the polarization axis of the electro-active material. The orientation angle can be at least 30°, such as at least 35° and at least 40°, and can be up to 60°, such as up to 55° and up to 50°, relative to the linear polarization axis of the electro-active material. The orientation angle can be 45° relative to the linear polarization axis of the electro-active material. The birefringent layer can be oriented at any angle or range between (and including) any of the angles listed above.

[0104] The film thickness of the birefringent layer can be at least 1 μm, such as at least 10 μm, at least 25 μm, and at least 40 μm, and can be up to 500 μm, such as up to 300 μm, up to 200 μm, and up to 100 μm. The film thickness of the birefringent layer can be from 1 μm to 500 μm, such as from 10 μm to 300 μm, from 25 μm to 200 μm, and from 25 μm to 100 μm. The film thickness of the birefringent layer can be any value or range between (and including) any of the values ​​recited above.

[0105] As a non-limiting example, the birefringent layer includes a quarter wave retarder.

[0106] Alignment material Although dichroic materials are capable of preferentially absorbing one of two orthogonal polarization components of transmitted radiation, it should be noted that if the molecules of the dichroic material are not suitably positioned (i.e., oriented), net linear polarization of the transmitted radiation will not be achieved. That is, due to the random positioning of the molecules of the dichroic material, the selective absorptions by individual molecules cancel each other out, so no net or overall linear polarization effect is achieved. Therefore, in general, to achieve net linear polarization, it is necessary to suitably position or arrange the molecules of the dichroic material by aligning them with another material.

[0107] The electro-active optical device may include alignment and / or orientation facilities to facilitate the orientation or alignment of the electrochromic-dichroic material and / or the anisotropic material to achieve linear polarization. Non-limiting examples of suitable alignment and / or orientation facilities include those described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,256,921, column 67, line 7 to column 71, line 65, the specific citations of which are incorporated herein by reference. As a non-limiting example, the electro-active optical device may include at least one orientation facility. As a non-limiting example, the electro-active material may include an at least partially aligned electrochromic-dichroic material.

[0108] By way of non-limiting example, alignment or orientation facilities include photoalignment materials, friction alignment materials, liquid crystal materials, electric fields, magnetic fields, at least partially aligned polymer sheets, at least partially treated surfaces, and / or Langmuir-Blodgett films.

[0109] Additional coating layers The electro-active optical devices of the present invention may include one or more protective coatings, such as a hard coat and / or abrasion resistant coating, an anti-reflective ("AR") coating, an anti-fog coating, an oxygen barrier coating and / or an infrared (IR) absorbing coating and / or an IR reflective coating, and / or a conventional reflective coating. It should be noted that the coatings may, but need not, cover the entire surface of the electro-active material layer and / or the surface of the optical substrate, facing the surface containing the electro-active layer and electrodes.

[0110] Suitable, non-limiting examples of AR coatings include single-layer or multi-layer coatings of metal oxides, metal fluorides, or other such materials, which may be deposited on the outer surface(s) of a substrate or on free-standing films that can be applied to the outer surface(s) of a substrate through application means such as vacuum deposition and sputtering techniques, as are well known in the art. Suitable, non-limiting examples of IR-reflective coatings include very thin, partially transparent metallic layers, such as NiCr and / or gold layers applied by PVD metallization methods. Such materials and application means are available from Creavac Vakuumbischechtung GmbH of Dresden, Germany. Suitable examples of IR-reflective coatings (e.g., Laser Gold and Laser Black) are also available from Epner Technology, Inc. Suitable IR-reflective coatings include silver-based coatings available under the trade name AgHT™ and gold-based coatings available under the trade name AuARE™ from CPFilms Inc. of Canoga Park, Calif. Suitable non-limiting examples of IR absorbing coatings include coatings that include IR absorbing dye materials, such as those that are photochemically stable under ambient light conditions and absorb light in the near IR region of the spectrum, such as 5,5'-dichloro-11-diphenylamino-3,3'-diethyl-10,12-ethylenethiatricarbocya-9 perchlorate (which provides peak IR absorption at about 830 nm); 2,4-di-3-guaiazulenyl-1,3-dihydro These are cyclobutenediylium dihydroxide, bis(inner salt) (providing peak IR absorption at about 780 to about 800 nm); and 1-butyl-2-[2-[3[(1-butyl-6-chlorobenz[cd]indole-2(1H)-ylidiene)ethylidene]-2-chloro-5-methyl-1-cyclohexen-1-yl]ethenyl]-6-chlorobenz[cd]indolium tetrafluoroborate (providing peak IR blocking at about 900 to about 1000 nm).

[0111] Transitional coatings can be used in electroactive optical devices. By way of non-limiting example, the transitional coating can help create a hardness gradient between a relatively hard coating and a relatively soft coating. Non-limiting examples of transitional coatings include radiation-cured acrylate-based thin films.

[0112] Suitable examples of protective coatings include, but are not limited to, abrasion-resistant coatings containing organosilanes, abrasion-resistant coatings containing radiation-cured acrylate-based thin films, abrasion-resistant coatings based on inorganic materials such as silica, titania, and / or zirconia, organic abrasion-resistant coatings of the ultraviolet light-curable variety, oxygen barrier coatings, UV-blocking coatings, and combinations thereof. As a non-limiting example, the protective coating may include a first coating of a radiation-cured acrylate-based thin film and a second coating containing an organosilanes. Non-limiting examples of commercially available protective coating products include SILVUE® 124 and HI-GARD® coatings, available from SDC Coatings, Inc. and PPG Industries, Inc., respectively.

[0113] However, the electroactive optical device may include additional coating layers interposed between any of the substrate surfaces and the at least two electrodes, or between the at least two electrodes and the electroactive layer, provided that the electrodes remain in electrical communication with the electroactive layer. For this purpose, any of the aforementioned coatings, as well as barrier coatings and / or primer layers, may be used.

[0114] The circular and / or elliptical polarization of the optical device may correspond to the degree of linear polarization of the electro-active layer in the first and second polarization states.

[0115] Electro-active optical devices may be useful as, or in the manufacture of, display devices, optical articles such as optical lenses, including ophthalmic (prescription) and non-prescription (non-prescription), contact lenses, intraocular lenses, magnifying lenses, protective lenses and visors, display articles (including, for example, touch screens and security elements), windows, mirrors, and both active and passive liquid crystal cells.

[0116] In non-limiting examples, the display device includes an electro-active optical device as described herein and can include an augmented reality display, a screen display, a virtual reality display, and / or a monitor display.

[0117] As shown in FIG. 1 (not drawn to scale), electro-active optical device 100 includes an optical substrate 120, an electro-active layer 130, and a birefringent layer 110. Electro-active layer 130 includes an electro-active material capable of polarizing electromagnetic radiation. Cathode layer 140 is disposed over at least a portion of a first surface of electro-active layer 130, and anode layer 150 is disposed over at least a portion of a second surface of electro-active layer 130. Controller 160 is in electrical communication with cathode layer 140 and anode layer 150. Controller 160 receives input from input 170, which, if present, communicates what potential or voltage should be applied between cathode layer 140 and anode layer 150. Voltage source 180 provides the potential or voltage to controller 160 as needed. When a potential or voltage is applied between the cathode layer 140 and the anode layer 150, the electro-active layer 130 transitions from a first polarization state (without an applied potential or voltage) to a second polarization state. Generally, incident light passes through the electro-active layer 130 and then through the birefringent layer 110.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 2 (not drawn to scale), a patterned anode layer 270 is disposed over a portion of the surface of electroactive layer 250, and a patterned cathode layer 260 is disposed over a portion of the surface of electroactive layer 250.

[0119] 3 (not drawn to scale), electro-active optical device 200 includes optical substrate 220, birefringent layer 210, and electro-active layer 230. Patterned anode layer 270 is disposed over a portion of the surface of electro-active layer 230 that connects with the surface of optical substrate 220. The surface of anode layer 270 that is not in contact with optical substrate 220 is in contact with electro-active layer 230. Patterned cathode layer 260 is disposed over a portion of the surface of electro-active layer 230 that connects with the surface of birefringent layer 210. The surface of cathode layer 260 that is not in contact with birefringent layer 210 is in contact with electro-active layer 230. Controller 285 is in electrical communication with cathode layer 260 and anode layer 270. The controller 285 receives input from an input 290, which communicates, if present, via line 280, what potential or voltage should be applied between the cathode layer 260 and the anode layer 270. A voltage source 295 provides the potential or voltage to the controller 285 as needed. When a potential or voltage is applied between the cathode layer 260 and the anode layer 270, the electro-active layer 230 transitions from a first polarization state (no applied potential or voltage) to a second polarization state. Generally, incident light passes through the electro-active layer 230 and then through the birefringent layer 210.

[0120] As shown in FIG. 4 (not drawn to scale), electro-active optical device 200 includes optical substrate 220, birefringent layer 210, and electro-active layer 230. Patterned anode layer 270 and patterned cathode layer 260 are each disposed over a portion of the surface of electro-active layer 230 that connects with the surface of birefringent layer 210. The surfaces of anode layer 270 and patterned cathode layer 260 that are not in contact with birefringent layer 210 are in contact with electro-active layer 230. Controller 285 is in electrical communication with cathode layer 260 and anode layer 270 via line 280. Controller 285 receives input from input 290, which, if present, communicates what potential or voltage should be applied between cathode layer 260 and anode layer 270. Voltage source 295 provides the potential or voltage to controller 285 as needed. When a potential or voltage is applied between the cathode layer 260 and the anode layer 270, the electroactive layer 230 transitions from a first polarization state (without an applied potential or voltage) to a second polarization state. Generally, incident light passes through the electroactive layer 230 and then through the birefringent layer 210.

[0121] The present disclosure also provides a method of making a multilayer optical device comprising: a) applying, over at least a portion of a surface of an optical substrate, a layer comprising an electro-active material capable of linearly polarizing electromagnetic radiation, the layer comprising an electro-active material having a first surface and a second surface directly opposite the first surface; b) applying at least two transparent electrodes spaced apart from one another and each independently in contact with at least one of the first surface or the second surface of the layer comprising an electroactive material; c) applying a birefringent layer; The method is directed to a method wherein a source capable of applying an electrical potential between the at least two electrodes is in electrical communication with the at least two electrodes.

[0122] The method uses, by way of non-limiting example, the electro-active material, transparent electrodes, birefringent layers, and power sources described above, as shown in Figures 1-4. The method may also include applying the alignment or registration equipment described above.

[0123] In a non-limiting example, the at least one transparent electrode can be applied to the optical substrate or electro-active material layer using vapor deposition techniques known in the art.

[0124] In a non-limiting example, the birefringent layer can be applied as a coating or by lamination and can include a quarter wave retarder.

[0125] In the non-limiting disclosure described herein, if the ambient conditions are not excessively bright or excessive reflections, such as, but not limited to, direct sunlight, are not present, a potential from a power source to two or more electrodes may not be required. However, applying a potential to the electro-active optical devices described herein under bright or direct sunlight conditions can significantly improve the readability of the display. As described herein, the load on the power supply can be reduced "on demand" only when reduced reflection or glare is desired. Non-limiting examples of devices include windows, cameras, camcorders, mobile phones, augmented reality devices, virtual reality devices, and the like.

[0126] While particular embodiments of the present invention have been described above for purposes of illustration, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many changes can be made in the details of the invention without departing from the invention as defined in the claims below.

Claims

1. 1. An electro-active optical device comprising: (a) an optical substrate; (b) a layer comprising an electro-active material capable of linearly polarizing electromagnetic radiation, said layer being in the form of a polymeric coating layer comprising said electro-active material or a polymeric gel layer comprising said electro-active material, said electro-active material comprising an at least partially aligned electrochromic-dichroic material, said electrochromic-dichroic material comprising a single compound that has both electrochromic and dichroic properties in response to an applied electric potential and that undergoes a dichroic color change by an oxidation-reduction reaction when an electric potential is applied to said electro-active material; (c) at least two transparent electrodes spaced apart from one another and each independently in contact with the layer comprising the electroactive material; (d) a source capable of applying an electrical potential between the at least two electrodes; (e) a birefringent layer; (f) at least one orientation facility for facilitating orientation or alignment of said electrochromic-dichroic material; electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the device comprises a first polarization state in the absence of an electrical potential between the at least two electrodes; the electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the device comprises a second polarization state different from the first polarization state in the presence of an electric potential between the at least two electrodes; An electro-active optical device, wherein the electro-active optical device is operable to circularly or elliptically polarize radiation transmitted therethrough.

2. The electro-active optical device of claim 1 , wherein the electro-active material is capable of linearly polarizing electromagnetic radiation.

3. The electro-active optical device of claim 1 , wherein the layer comprising the electro-active material comprises a self-assembled material.

4. The electro-active optical device of claim 3 , wherein the self-assembling material comprises a liquid crystal material, a liquid crystal electrochromic-dichroic material, and / or a block copolymer.

5. The electro-active optical device of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the at least two transparent electrodes functions as an anode and at least one of the at least two transparent electrodes functions as a cathode.

6. The electro-active optical device of claim 1 , wherein the birefringent layer comprises a quarter-wave retarder.

7. 10. The electro-active optical device of claim 1, wherein the alignment facility comprises a photoalignment material, a friction alignment material, a liquid crystal material, an electric field, a magnetic field, an at least partially aligned polymer sheet, an at least partially treated surface, and / or a Langmuir-Blodgett film.

8. The electro-active optical device of claim 1 , wherein the layer comprising the electro-active material comprises a first surface and a second surface directly opposite the first surface.

9. The electro-active optical device of claim 8 , wherein the at least two transparent electrodes are in direct contact with the first surface of the layer comprising the electro-active material.

10. 9. The electro-active optical device of claim 8, wherein a first of the at least two transparent electrodes is in contact with the first surface of the layer comprising the electro-active material and a second of the at least two transparent electrodes is in direct contact with the second surface of the layer comprising the electro-active material.

11. 10. The electro-active optical device of claim 1, wherein the circular or elliptical polarization of the optical device corresponds to a degree of linear polarization of the layer comprising the electro-active material in the first polarization state and the second polarization state.

12. A display device comprising the electro-active optical device of claim 1.

13. The display device of claim 12 , wherein the display device comprises an augmented reality display, a screen display, a virtual reality display, and / or a monitor display.

14. 1. A method of making a multilayer optical device, comprising: a) applying, over at least a portion of a surface of an optical substrate, a layer comprising an electro-active material capable of linearly polarizing electromagnetic radiation, said layer in the form of a polymeric coating layer comprising said electro-active material or in the form of a polymeric gel layer comprising said electro-active material, said layer having a first surface and a second surface directly opposite said first surface, said electro-active material comprising an at least partially aligned electrochromic-dichroic material, said electrochromic-dichroic material having both electrochromic and dichroic properties in response to an applied electric potential and comprising a single compound that undergoes a dichroic color change by an oxidation-reduction reaction when an electric potential is applied to said electro-active material; b) applying at least two transparent electrodes spaced apart from one another and each independently in contact with the first surface or the second surface of the layer containing the electroactive material; c) applying a birefringent layer and an alignment facility, said alignment facility facilitating alignment or orientation of said electrochromic-dichroic material; A source capable of applying an electrical potential between the at least two electrodes is in electrical communication with the at least two electrodes.

15. The method of claim 14 , wherein the at least one transparent electrode is applied as a coating.

16. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the at least one transparent electrode is applied by vapor deposition.

17. The method of claim 14 wherein the birefringent layer is applied as a coating.

18. The method of claim 14 , wherein the birefringent layer is applied by lamination.

19. The method of claim 14 , wherein the birefringent layer comprises a quarter wave retarder.

20. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the at least two transparent electrodes are in direct contact with the first surface of the layer comprising the electroactive material.

21. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein a first of the at least two transparent electrodes is in contact with the first surface of the layer comprising the electroactive material and a second of the at least two transparent electrodes is in direct contact with the second surface of the layer comprising the electroactive material.

22. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the optical substrate is a film, and the film thickness is 20 μm to 1000 μm.

23. The device of claim 1, wherein the layer comprising the electroactive material has a film thickness of from 1 μm to 1000 μm.

24. The device of claim 1, wherein the film thickness of the at least two transparent electrodes is between 0.05 μm and 1000 μm.

25. The device of claim 1, wherein the birefringent layer has a film thickness of from 1 μm to 500 μm.

26. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein in the first polarization state (in the absence of an applied potential or voltage), the polarization efficiency can be zero and can be up to 15%.

27. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein in the second polarization state (potential or voltage present) the device exhibits a polarization efficiency of at least 60% and may be up to 100%.

28. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the optical substrate comprises a material selected from glass, including fused silica, fused silica, or alkali-aluminosilicate glass; a polymeric substrate material, including polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyurethane, polyurethane(urea), polyester, polyacrylate, polymethacrylate, poly(cyclic)olefin, polyepoxy, or copolymers thereof; a polymeric film, including polycarbonate, polycyclic alkene, polyurethane, poly(urea)urethane, polythiourethane, polythio(urea)urethane, polyol(allyl carbonate), cellulose acetate, cellulose diacetate, cellulose triacetate, cellulose acetate propionate, cellulose acetate butyrate, poly(vinyl acetate), poly(vinyl alcohol), poly(vinyl chloride), poly(vinylidene chloride), poly(ethylene terephthalate), poly(ethylene naphthalate), polyester, polysulfone, polyolefin, or copolymers thereof; or a combination of the materials.

29. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the electrodes comprise a conductive polymer selected from carbon nanotubes, graphene platelets, gold, tin oxide, fluorine-doped tin oxide, indium tin oxide, poly(acetylene), poly(pyrrole), poly(thiophene), poly(aniline), poly(fluorene), poly(pyridene), poly(indole), poly(carbazole), poly(azine), poly(quinone), poly(3-alkylthiophene), polytetrathiafulvalene, polynaphthalene, poly(p-phenylene sulfide), and / or poly(para-phenylene vinylene).

30. The birefringent layer may be made of poly(meth)acrylates, poly(C1-C12) alkyl(meth)acrylates, polyoxy(alkylene(meth)acrylates), poly(alkoxylated (meth)acrylic phenols), cellulose acetate, cellulose triacetate, cellulose acetate propionate, cellulose acetate butyrate, poly(vinyl acetate), poly(vinyl alcohol), poly(vinyl chloride), poly(vinylidene chloride), poly(vinylpyrrolidone), poly((meth)acrylamide), poly(dimethylacrylamide), poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate), poly((meth)acrylic acid), thermoplastic polycarbonates, polyesters, polyurethanes, polythiourethanes, poly(ethylene terethalate), polystyrene, poly(alphamethylstyrene), copoly(styrene-methyl methacrylate), copoly(styrene-acrylonitrile), polyvinyl butyral, and polyols containing (allyl carbonate) monomers, monofunctional (meth)acrylate monomers, polyfunctional (meth)acrylic acid monomers, 10. The device of claim 1, comprising a self-assembled material comprising a polymer comprising di(meth)acrylate monomers, diethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate monomers, diisopropyl benzene monomers, alkoxylated polyhydric alcohol monomers, and diarylidene pentaerythritol monomers, and a self-assembled material comprising polycarbonates, polyamides, polyimides, poly(meth)acrylates, polycyclic alkenes, polyurethanes, poly(urea)urethanes, polythiourethanes, polythio(urea)urethanes, polyol(allyl carbonate), cellulose acetate, cellulose diacetate, cellulose triacetate, cellulose acetate propionate, cellulose acetate butyrate, polyalkenes, polyalkylene-vinyl acetate, poly(vinyl acetate), poly(vinyl alcohol), poly(vinyl chloride), poly(vinyl formal), poly(vinyl acetate), poly(vinylidene chloride), poly(ethylene terephthalate), polyesters, polysulfones, polyolefins, copolymers thereof, and / or mixtures thereof.

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